ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO (BNO NEWS) – Tom Sanders was appointed to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee (CINTAC), Sandia National Laboratories announced on Monday.

Sanders, president of the American Nuclear Society and manager of Global Nuclear Futures Program at Sandia National Laboratories, was nominated by former White House Chief of Staff and Senate Majority Leader Howard Baker, who co-chairs the American Council on Global Nuclear Competitiveness.

CINTAC serves as advisor of the Secretary of Commerce, helping with programs that expand United States exports of civil nuclear technology and services, which are in accordance with U.S. regulations. It also provides advice from U.S. industry on how activities affect the U.S. civil nuclear industry’s competitiveness and ability to participate in the international market.

Many countries around the globe have already informed the International Atomic Energy Agency of beginning or expanding their nuclear energy capabilities. Sanders said CINTAC’s input regarding these matters is crucial.

Sanders, as president of the American Nuclear Society, advises CINTAC, as well as assisting in the elimination of obstacles that impede exportation of U.S. nuclear goods and services, maintaining the U.S. commitment to increment prevention.

“Export controls are a primary way for the U.S. to promote our cultural values about the peaceful use of nuclear technology including safety, security and proliferation resistance around the world,” Sanders said.

Sanders has continually promoted the development of small, modular reactor concepts that could use an integrated design that incorporates intrinsic safeguards, security and safety features in order to help American companies regain competitive edges within the industry. These reactors may open new opportunities for exportation to developing countries without the infrastructure to support large power sources.